Back on the grassy plains, where the silver cube hovered above the carriage, the air remained thick with tension.
The barbarians, once so confident in their approach, now hesitated, unsure of what they were facing.
The cube's shimmering light bathed the field in an eerie, otherworldly glow, its power unmistakable and unlike anything they had ever encountered.
The earlier chants and war cries had faded into silence as they stared at the massive object, unsure of what to do next.
Inside the carriage, Pooella held Alice close, her eyes wide with awe as she looked up at the enormous cube.
"Is that…" she began, unable to finish the thought.
Zhao Shi stood frozen beside her, his gaze locked on the cube as well. "An astral artifact…"
On the plains, the barbarians, realizing they were outmatched, began to murmur among themselves. Some looked ready to flee, their previous confidence shattered.
But it was already too late.
